How Many Weeks of College Football Are There?

By Sarah Miller · December 16, 2034

College football typically spans 13 regular-season weeks, followed by conference championships and bowl games, making the full season last approximately 15 to 16 weeks from early September to early January.

Understanding the College Football Season Structure

The NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) college football season follows a structured timeline that includes preseason preparation, a 12- to 13-week regular season, conference championship games, and postseason play. The exact number of weeks can vary slightly based on scheduling, holidays, and postseason participation.

Key Phases of the College Football Calendar

Preseason: Begins in late July with training camp and practice sessions.
Regular Season: Runs for 13 weeks, starting the first weekend of September.

Conference Championships:

Bowl Season: Spans mid-December to early January, including New Year's Six games and the College Football Playoff (CFP).
College Football Playoff National Championship: Concludes the season in early January.

How Many Games Do Teams Play?

During the regular season, FBS teams are allowed to play up to 12 games, though most complete exactly 12 contests over 13 weeks due to one bye week. Teams that qualify for their conference championship game play a 13th game. Postseason eligibility requires at least six wins, and eligible teams may participate in a bowl game or the CFP.

Maximum Possible Games in a Season

12 regular-season games
1 conference championship game
1–3 College Football Playoff games (semifinals + final)
1 bowl game (if not in playoff)

Therefore, a team reaching the National Championship can play up to 15 games across approximately 16 weeks.

Detailed College Football Season Timeline (2025 Example)

Week	Dates	Event Type	Description
1	Aug 30 – Sep 5	Week 0	Limited early games, often in Hawaii or international locations
2	Sep 6 – Sep 12	Week 1	Full national kickoff of regular season
3	Sep 13 – Sep 19	Week 2	Continuation of regular season matchups
4	Sep 20 – Sep 26	Week 3	In-conference and non-conference games
5	Sep 27 – Oct 3	Week 4	Middle of non-conference scheduling window
6	Oct 4 – Oct 10	Week 5	Conference play intensifies
7	Oct 11 – Oct 17	Week 6	Midseason rankings begin to stabilize
8	Oct 18 – Oct 24	Week 7	Key rivalry and crossover games start
9	Oct 25 – Oct 31	Week 8	Heisman Trophy candidates emerge
10	Nov 1 – Nov 7	Week 9	Playoff race heats up
11	Nov 8 – Nov 14	Week 10	Late-season conference matchups
12	Nov 15 – Nov 21	Week 11	Contenders solidify standings
13	Nov 22 – Nov 28	Week 12	Final stretch before championships
14	Nov 29 – Dec 5	Week 13 / Bye Week	Most teams finish regular season; some have final bye
15	Dec 6	Conference Championships	10+ conference title games played in one day
16+	Dec 20 – Jan 20	Bowl & Playoff Games	Over 40 bowl games, culminating in National Championship

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that while the official regular season lasts 13 weeks, the entire competitive window extends over 16 weeks when including conference championships and postseason events. Teams appearing in both a conference title game and the College Football Playoff can be active for up to 17 weeks from first game to national title contest.

Frequently Asked Questions About College Football Season Length

How many weeks is the college football regular season?

The college football regular season officially spans 13 weeks, during which teams play 12 games and have one bye week. It begins in late August or early September and concludes in late November or early December.

Do all college football teams play the same number of games?

No. Most FBS teams play 12 regular-season games, but those competing in a conference championship game play a 13th. Additionally, teams with winning records may play a 13th game in a bowl. Teams in the College Football Playoff can play up to 15 games.

When does the college football season end?

The college football season typically ends in early January with the College Football Playoff National Championship game. The final bowl games and playoff semifinals occur around New Year’s Day.

Can college football teams play more than 13 games?

Yes. While the regular season allows for 12 games, teams that qualify for their conference championship play a 13th. If they also qualify for a bowl game or the College Football Playoff, they can play up to 15 total games.

What is Week 0 in college football?

Week 0 refers to a few games scheduled the weekend before the official kickoff of the college football season, often involving teams traveling to Hawaii or playing neutral-site games. These count toward the 12-game regular-season limit.